Adrien Broner, the polarizing figure in boxing, has embarked on a significant journey to revitalize his career, with a key focus on his physical transformation. This article delves into the methods, challenges, and aspirations behind Broner's weight loss efforts, examining his path back to the ring.
Broner's Intensive Training Camp
To prepare for his return to boxing, Adrien Broner engaged in a rigorous ten-week fat-burning training camp. Under the guidance of trainer Kevin Cunningham, Broner made significant progress toward meeting the welterweight limit. This camp was a crucial step in Broner's journey back to competitive shape, demonstrating his commitment to the sport.
Overcoming Obstacles: Mental Health and Addiction
Broner's journey hasn't been without its challenges. In the past, mental health issues, substance abuse, and alcohol took a toll on Broner’s life. At one point in 2020, Broner was incoherent in the hospital and fighting to be clean. Broner's struggles with mental health and addiction have been well-documented, highlighting the personal battles he has faced outside the ring. Overcoming these issues has been a critical part of his comeback story.
Opponent Changes and the Road to Redemption
Adrien Broner's path back to the ring has been fraught with unexpected twists, including multiple opponent changes. Initially slated to face Omar Figueroa, Broner withdrew due to mental health concerns. He then prepared for a February fight against Ivan Redkach, which later shifted to Henry ‘Hank’ Lundy. Ultimately, Michael Williams Jr. stepped in as the opponent with a month's notice.
Problems with promoters and Lundy's suspension created a headache for Broner and his team. Since training began last year, they’ve been forced to prepare for four different opponents. The constant changes presented challenges for Broner and his team, requiring adaptability and focus.
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Despite these changes, Broner remained focused on his goal. Facing Figueroa or Redkach presented Broner with a difficult task to reignite his tenure. However, the subsequent changes to Lundy and now Williams has given the multi-weight champion the best chance of getting back in the win column and looking good in the process.
The Pressure of Pay-Per-View and Public Perception
Broner's return is under intense scrutiny, with fans being asked to pay $39.95 to watch his fight on BLK Prime. Given that Broner hasn’t beaten anyone of note [barring a bad judging decision] in six years, "The Problem" seems to be banking on his name being enough to create the buzz. The shape he’s in does help and shows he’s once again serious about the sport. This puts additional pressure on Broner to perform well and justify the investment from fans.
Weight Issues and COVID-19 Restrictions
Broner has faced challenges with weight management, particularly when compounded by COVID-19 restrictions. In a previous fight week experience, Broner compared this fight week experience to jail, a restrictive space with which he is all too familiar. Broner blamed the COVID-19 restrictions of the proverbial bubble Premier Boxing Champions and Showtime have used at Mohegan Sun the past six months for his inability to get down to the 140-pound limit at which he and Jovanie Santiago were supposed to fight Saturday night. Their contract weight was moved up seven pounds, to the welterweight maximum of 147, during fight week.
The weight switch fueled Broner’s doubters, who criticized the polarizing fighter for yet another weight issue that was perceived as an unfair disadvantage for Santiago because he hadn’t boxed at the welterweight limit in more than five years.
Despite these difficulties, Broner believes he can still reach 140 pounds, the division where he feels most competitive. He expressed confidence that he would be able to make the weight in the future, given his experience and understanding of the necessary steps.
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Physical Transformation and Training Regimen
Adrien Broner is slowly getting into shape after dropping plenty of excess poundage on his way down to the welterweight limit. “The Problem” is not letting a late change in opponent stop him from embarking on some crippling abdominal exercises in training. Broner still has a bit of timber around his midriff to shake off. Despite the extra baggage, he’s come a long way from the darker days of the last two years.
During the pandemic, Broner went through some serious mental issues as he struggled with addiction. By 2021, the Cincinnati native was in and out of shape. As World Boxing News has documented, sometimes with fat hanging over his trousers.
Since signing with Black Prime, Broner has had a new focus. It’s achievable for Broner, but it will be hell for him to get there successfully. It’s been six years since the last time Broner made it under 140 and five since he was under 144.
Future Aspirations and Potential Matchups
Broner has set his sights on a potential fight with Regis Prograis for the WBC super lightweight title. However, Broner isn’t even rated with the World Boxing Council’s in the Top 40 in any weight. A win over Lundy could help once Broner informs the WBC of his intentions to fight at super lightweight. With the Lundy Pay Per View at the higher limit, Broner will likely crack the Top 40 at welterweight first before gaining any standing at 140.
After a victory against a name in Prograis’ division, Broner will undoubtedly be given the benefit of the doubt and get rated between 16 and 40. It may take a win against one of the top fifteen contenders to put himself in a position for Prograis.
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